Pakistani man released from Gorakhpur jail set to return home after 16 years

Last update:January 02, 2025, 8:45 p.m. IST

Mansoor Ahmed was arrested near the India-Nepal border at Bahraich for entering India without a visa or passport.

After spending 16 long years behind bars, Pakistani national Mohammad Masroof, also known as Mansoor Ahmed, is preparing to return home.

The 50-year-old will be released from the Gorakhpur district jail on February 7, upon completion of his jail term, which began in 2008, officials said on Thursday.

Masroof was arrested near the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich for illegally entering India without a visa or passport. Accused of espionage, the Allahabad High Court later acquitted him of the charges, convicting him only of immigration violations.

In prison for more than 16 years, Masroof has exceeded the prescribed sentence. A release order against him has been issued by the Union Home Ministry.

Gorakhpur district prison superintendent AK Kushwaha said arrangements were being made for Masroof’s transfer to Delhi, from where he will be handed over to Pakistani authorities at the Attari border.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) to facilitate his repatriation, and continuous reminders from prison authorities helped speed up the process,” Kushwaha added.

Masroof was transferred from Varanasi Central Jail to Gorakhpur Jail four years ago.

According to the jailer, Masroof has demonstrated good behavior during his detention and is looking forward to meeting his family in Pakistan.

“He was very happy when he found out about the upcoming release and is looking forward to returning home after so many years,” Kushwaha said.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)

Location :

Gorakhpur, India

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